Katsura, Tarō (1847-1913)

Prince of Japan, army officer, politician, and prime minister (1901-06, 1908-11, 1912-13). He was responsible for the Anglo-Japanese treaty of 1902 (an alliance against Russia), the successful prosecution of the Russo-Japanese war 1904-05, and the annexation of Korea in 1910.

Having assisted in the Meiji restoration 1866-68, Katsura became increasingly involved in politics. His support for rearmament, distaste for political parties, and oligarchic rule created unrest; his third ministry December 1912-January 1913 lasted only seven weeks.